Bird starring Barry Keoghan reinvents the social drama genre, blending gritty realism with rock energy and fantasy elements. Directed by Andrea Arnold, the film captures the struggles of marginalized lives in the UK through powerful storytelling and a dynamic soundtrack.
Releasing Wednesday, Bird reinvigorates the social drama genre in the spirit of Ken Loach, exploring the fringes of UK society with irresistible rock energy, a touch of fantasy, and a stellar performance from Irish actor Barry Keoghan.
Directed by British filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, American Honey), the film competed at Cannes but left empty-handed despite receiving glowing reviews.
Set among squatted apartments and decrepit housing estates in a deprived area of Kent (southeast England), the story follows 12-year-old Bailey (played by newcomer Nykiya Adams) and her fraught relationship with her father Bug (Barry Keoghan), who became a parent at 14 and remains trapped in adolescence.
The actor, known for his rebellious aura, admitted at Cannes that he easily related to his character, describing him as “a pure lucky charm and charmer.” Keoghan revealed he lost his mother to an overdose at a young age and spent his childhood moving between foster homes.
“I’ve said in interviews since 2015 that I wanted to work with Andrea Arnold, and when the chance came, I didn’t even need a script (…) I’ll do anything she directs,” shared Barry Keoghan, now 32.
The film tackles themes of domestic violence, children growing up alone, parents in crisis, fractured families, and teenage pregnancies.
Andrea Arnold explained her intention to capture the essence of a working-class town near London, where she herself grew up. “There’s so much life there, likely because it’s a working-class town. I grew up in a working-class family unafraid to express themselves,” she explained at Cannes, adding that the young lead was cast after schools in the region were asked to recommend “their naughtiest kids.”
In this harsh world, Bailey struggles to find her place but discovers a glimmer of hope through a magnetic young man played by German actor Franz Rogowski.
Arnold enriches the social tableau with a fascination for birds, an unexpected touch of fantasy, and a pulsating soundtrack featuring Blur, Oasis, and Fontaines D.C., elevating the film beyond its gritty roots.
With AFP
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